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The Grumpiest Hero Next Door: A Sweet Small Town Romance
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 20, 2026
I had a feeling I was gonna like this one based on the cover, I was right!
This was my second book by Maggie and I loved the story of Jack, Ranger and his farm. There is serious depth in this story without beeing overwhelming. Emma is a very mature woman, and just very likeable.
There is no spice and the wording is again very softspoken. But I think that it doesn't take away from the story, it just highlights the beauty of love and makes it more appropriate for a larger crowd.
I started and finished this book within a day so I think that says enough ;).
I do hope future books will continue the stories of both Emma's family and Jack's coworkers, because I think many of those could become gems as well.
Maggie, thank you very much for this ARC opportunity, I had a very lovely time reading this novella!
This was my second book by Maggie and I loved the story of Jack, Ranger and his farm. There is serious depth in this story without beeing overwhelming. Emma is a very mature woman, and just very likeable.
There is no spice and the wording is again very softspoken. But I think that it doesn't take away from the story, it just highlights the beauty of love and makes it more appropriate for a larger crowd.
I started and finished this book within a day so I think that says enough ;).
I do hope future books will continue the stories of both Emma's family and Jack's coworkers, because I think many of those could become gems as well.
Maggie, thank you very much for this ARC opportunity, I had a very lovely time reading this novella!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Grumpiest Hero Next Door: A Sweet Small Town Romance is a small-town romance centered on Emma, a new vet in Oakridge, and Jack Sullivan, a gruff former Navy SEAL whose life revolves around silence, routine, and his service dog. Their worlds collide when Jack rushes into Emma’s clinic after hours with his injured dog, and that moment pulls them into a slow-burn connection filled with forced proximity, rehab farm visits, and a town that clearly has no concept of personal space or subtlety when it comes to matchmaking.
The strongest parts are the emotional beats between Emma and Jack, especially the early rescue scene and the way Jack slowly opens up through his bond with his dog and Emma’s steady care. The found-family and “sunshine meets emotional brick wall” dynamic is genuinely sweet at times, and the progression of trust between them is the highlight of the story.
However, the writing style made it difficult to stay fully engaged. The short, choppy sentences often felt repetitive and stripped away atmosphere and depth, leaving scenes feeling underdeveloped. At times it almost reads like it’s trying to be minimalist or verse-like, but without enough variation or narrative texture to fully land. The pacing suffers as a result, and some emotional moments don’t hit as strongly as they should.
Maggie Blume delivers a tender core romance, but the execution didn’t quite work for me.
Rating: 2/5 stars — a sweet idea with heart, but the writing style keeps it from reaching its full potential.
The strongest parts are the emotional beats between Emma and Jack, especially the early rescue scene and the way Jack slowly opens up through his bond with his dog and Emma’s steady care. The found-family and “sunshine meets emotional brick wall” dynamic is genuinely sweet at times, and the progression of trust between them is the highlight of the story.
However, the writing style made it difficult to stay fully engaged. The short, choppy sentences often felt repetitive and stripped away atmosphere and depth, leaving scenes feeling underdeveloped. At times it almost reads like it’s trying to be minimalist or verse-like, but without enough variation or narrative texture to fully land. The pacing suffers as a result, and some emotional moments don’t hit as strongly as they should.
Maggie Blume delivers a tender core romance, but the execution didn’t quite work for me.
Rating: 2/5 stars — a sweet idea with heart, but the writing style keeps it from reaching its full potential.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received author ARC, thank you!
This was my first Maggie Blume read. I started it late one night before bed, and read 36% before I couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore. I could not wit to finish it the next day. I cried in the first chapter of the book. I love the relationship between Jack and his dog, Ranger. I love how Emma, the new town vet, settles into the town, and becomes such an incredible part of The Farm.
Jack is a man of few words, but a stillness, a look, a nod, and Emma can read him like no other. They have quiet, deliberate moments that are carful, but powerful.
I really connected with the book when it said that Jack “chooses to meet up with Emma. He chooses to be present with her.
Some favorite quotes I took from the book read…
“I pause. Long enough to feel it, the weight of the moment, the choice in it, and the possibility of getting it wrong . Then I lean closer.”
Another quote I love reads, “This is what it’s supposed to feel like. Easy. Real. like coming home”
“He kisses me good night. Slow. Certain. Like he has no where else to be.”
Finally the last favorite quote written reads, “He takes his time. He does things right. And when he’s ready, he shows up.”
Everything about the story felt real. Deliberate. Like the inside of a book your can heal
I’m really giving it 4.5 starts because there was emotional stirring on multiple occasions.
Release date May 20, 2026.
This was my first Maggie Blume read. I started it late one night before bed, and read 36% before I couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore. I could not wit to finish it the next day. I cried in the first chapter of the book. I love the relationship between Jack and his dog, Ranger. I love how Emma, the new town vet, settles into the town, and becomes such an incredible part of The Farm.
Jack is a man of few words, but a stillness, a look, a nod, and Emma can read him like no other. They have quiet, deliberate moments that are carful, but powerful.
I really connected with the book when it said that Jack “chooses to meet up with Emma. He chooses to be present with her.
Some favorite quotes I took from the book read…
“I pause. Long enough to feel it, the weight of the moment, the choice in it, and the possibility of getting it wrong . Then I lean closer.”
Another quote I love reads, “This is what it’s supposed to feel like. Easy. Real. like coming home”
“He kisses me good night. Slow. Certain. Like he has no where else to be.”
Finally the last favorite quote written reads, “He takes his time. He does things right. And when he’s ready, he shows up.”
Everything about the story felt real. Deliberate. Like the inside of a book your can heal
I’m really giving it 4.5 starts because there was emotional stirring on multiple occasions.
Release date May 20, 2026.
May 20, 2026
Jack runs a farm where veterans like him can find a soft place to land, have a purpose, and figure out how to move forward. His thirteen-year-old military dog, Ranger, is what keeps him level. The former vet of Oakridge has retired, and he has yet to meet the replacement. Then his dog falls ill, and he rushes Ranger to the clinic.
Emma is still unpacking, while thinking about all of the things the locals said the previous doctor did. She’s under a huge shadow there, but she’s not bothered. Until a fist pounding on the clinic door gets her attention, and she jumps into action.
What a way to start a book. I was already crying and it was THE FIRST CHAPTER. To be clear, I can’t stand to see an animal suffer. Don’t worry, Ranger is going to be fine.
This encounter leads Emma to going to the farm to check on Ranger’s recovery, and the idea that service dogs could be useful to the other veterans there. I loved this, because it’s clear that animals can pick up on things in humans that another human would miss.
This is a sweet, slow burn romance, with a lot of side characters that add story and context to this town and its people. It’s nice to watch Jack and Emma fall in love, even with some potentially big bumps in the road. If you take anything from this, it’s that you never know what someone is going through, but a service dog or other service animal can help in ways that nothing else can. Get the book. Maybe have tissues ready. It’s a beautiful story.
Emma is still unpacking, while thinking about all of the things the locals said the previous doctor did. She’s under a huge shadow there, but she’s not bothered. Until a fist pounding on the clinic door gets her attention, and she jumps into action.
What a way to start a book. I was already crying and it was THE FIRST CHAPTER. To be clear, I can’t stand to see an animal suffer. Don’t worry, Ranger is going to be fine.
This encounter leads Emma to going to the farm to check on Ranger’s recovery, and the idea that service dogs could be useful to the other veterans there. I loved this, because it’s clear that animals can pick up on things in humans that another human would miss.
This is a sweet, slow burn romance, with a lot of side characters that add story and context to this town and its people. It’s nice to watch Jack and Emma fall in love, even with some potentially big bumps in the road. If you take anything from this, it’s that you never know what someone is going through, but a service dog or other service animal can help in ways that nothing else can. Get the book. Maybe have tissues ready. It’s a beautiful story.
May 20, 2026
This is the story of Jack & Emma - Jack runs a ranch for veterans who need a safe place to land after leaving the military and acclimate back to a new normal. Emma is the new veterinarian in town and they meet during an emergency with Jack's service dog, Ranger.
That is the beginning of a quiet friendship that slowly grows into more. They spend time together, Emma's visit to the farm, Jack's visits to the vet clinic, crossing paths at the local diner, etc. It's a slow, sweet buildup that does not disappoint.
This is a quick read and the format for this story is unique compared to most books I read. It's difficult for me to describe it, if I'm being honest. This format aids in how quickly it can be read. You get to know both Jack and Emma, as well as some others in the town and at the farm but it's very "on-the-surface". Not bad, not good - just different.
Overall, I enjoyed it but would have enjoyed it more if we got more ...more about the main characters, the secondary characters, more of a backstory, more about what they are thinking during certain events or interactions.
This is the first "grumpiest" book I've read by this author but will be adding the others to my TBR list.
That is the beginning of a quiet friendship that slowly grows into more. They spend time together, Emma's visit to the farm, Jack's visits to the vet clinic, crossing paths at the local diner, etc. It's a slow, sweet buildup that does not disappoint.
This is a quick read and the format for this story is unique compared to most books I read. It's difficult for me to describe it, if I'm being honest. This format aids in how quickly it can be read. You get to know both Jack and Emma, as well as some others in the town and at the farm but it's very "on-the-surface". Not bad, not good - just different.
Overall, I enjoyed it but would have enjoyed it more if we got more ...more about the main characters, the secondary characters, more of a backstory, more about what they are thinking during certain events or interactions.
This is the first "grumpiest" book I've read by this author but will be adding the others to my TBR list.
May 20, 2026
Jack and Emma’s story is the sweetest, grumpiest story I have ever read. You’ll quickly fall in love with them and the story.
Jack has built up a farm and a place of safety for veterans over the last six years, and when his service dog, Ranger, fell ill one night, he rushed to the vet and met the new veterinarian, Emma. Emma doesn’t waste time with questions, does the task at hand, and saves Ranger. Coming from a military upbringing herself, Emma slowly but surely crumbles Jack’s walls and helps out on the farm and any place needed.
She also helps secure more service dogs for the veterans, and honestly, I cried so much when the dogs arrived, and they chose their human companions. But of course, not everything always goes smoothly, and towards the end, some more tears were shed.
If you love grumpy, if you love dogs, if you love small towns, and you love a good ending…this book is for you.
Jack has built up a farm and a place of safety for veterans over the last six years, and when his service dog, Ranger, fell ill one night, he rushed to the vet and met the new veterinarian, Emma. Emma doesn’t waste time with questions, does the task at hand, and saves Ranger. Coming from a military upbringing herself, Emma slowly but surely crumbles Jack’s walls and helps out on the farm and any place needed.
She also helps secure more service dogs for the veterans, and honestly, I cried so much when the dogs arrived, and they chose their human companions. But of course, not everything always goes smoothly, and towards the end, some more tears were shed.
If you love grumpy, if you love dogs, if you love small towns, and you love a good ending…this book is for you.
May 24, 2026
Jack is running a ranch to help vets return to civilian life, some take longer than others but he doesn't have a problem with that. Some of them have therapy dogs, his is Ranger, he's had him for several years, he was with him in the forces. When Ranger is ill he rushes to the veterinary clinic as quick as he can, he meets Emma, she's not been there long, taking over the clinic in the last few months, it's late at night but she doesn't say anything, just takes the dog and calls her assistant. After his op Ranger recovers and Emma starts turning up at the ranch, to check on the dog and to help as much as she can, the more she's there the more she likes it, and sees what needs doing. She uses her contacts and people in the town to start a programme for the dogs.
As time goes on Jack becomes a little less grumpy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great, emotional read from Maggie
As time goes on Jack becomes a little less grumpy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great, emotional read from Maggie
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed the way this book was written. I don't normally like slow burn romances, but this one didn't bother me. The pace of the book seemed slow, even, and rather steady to me. Yet there was always something happening. Emma and Jack were always moving toward each other. There were no stagnant moments.
The hiccup in their relationship proved to not be a genuine problem, but more of a realization about how both Jack and Emma truly felt about each other. The moment Jack and Ranger showed up at the clinic toward the end was pivotal and left me smiling.
Definitely a sweet, small town romance that I easily read in one sitting.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received via Booksprout.
The hiccup in their relationship proved to not be a genuine problem, but more of a realization about how both Jack and Emma truly felt about each other. The moment Jack and Ranger showed up at the clinic toward the end was pivotal and left me smiling.
Definitely a sweet, small town romance that I easily read in one sitting.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received via Booksprout.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really wanted to take my time with this book because I really loved the characters. You can feel the emotions between them like you were there to witness it. The way that Jack took his time to open up to Emma and finally let her in made you want to keep reading to watch it all unfold. Emma was so patient with Jack never pushing him to hard to express himself or tell her how he felt. It was just an understanding between them. The farm he built to help the others show the compassion that Jack truly had regardless of how quiet he was. I loved that Emma was attached to all of the men and helped them all get service animals. It was such a good read I want to see more from these characters. What happens next. I definitely will be reading more from this author
May 20, 2026
Jack Sullivan and his service dog, Ranger, live on a ranch outside Oakridge. When Ranger collapses after eating, Jack rushes him back to town to see the new vet even if it's after hours. Emma Whitaker, the vet, does surgery on Ranger and she let's Jack know he is stable. Jack is relieved. The next day Jack brings Emma coffee when he visits Ranger. Emma visits the ranch to check Ranger and she sees that Jack's farm is a place for veterans to live until they are ready to go back into the real world. As time progresses, Emma finds herself going to help Jack at the ranch weekly and even fills out paperwork so all 3 men can each get a service dog. It is a touching story that pulls you in as you wait to see what will happen next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Emma is the new vet in town and after a long day, a man comes in with his service dog and something is terribly wrong. Emma jumps into action to save the dog and Jack is grateful for everything. He’s a man of few words, but watching her take action so fast was amazing. Emma is bubbly, outgoing and always wants to help it’s her nature. Little did Emma know that making house calls to check on ranger Jack's dog would be so much fun and getting to know Jack better would change everything for her and her future. I loved watching Jack grow and learning to let someone in and opening up to the possibility of love.
May 20, 2026
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.
The main characters were very similar. They did their jobs well but also lent a helping hand to others when they saw the need. Both were observant and were good at reading the situations they were in. Both held their emotions tightly. And neither spoke freely, so what they did say held weight. That hesitance to speak meant they considered their words, sometimes until the moment passed. That's not good on a new romance.
I loved that the townspeople were so supportive of them, both in their own professions and in their budding relationship. The people were well-informed, but no one was seen gossiping.
The main characters were very similar. They did their jobs well but also lent a helping hand to others when they saw the need. Both were observant and were good at reading the situations they were in. Both held their emotions tightly. And neither spoke freely, so what they did say held weight. That hesitance to speak meant they considered their words, sometimes until the moment passed. That's not good on a new romance.
I loved that the townspeople were so supportive of them, both in their own professions and in their budding relationship. The people were well-informed, but no one was seen gossiping.
May 21, 2026
4 1/2 stars - This was a cute clean small town romantic story I'd read that was about Jack who runs a ranch helping ex-militaries to adjust to the civilian life and Emma a veterinarian who is taking over the clinic after the well-known veterinarian retired. Jack notices Ranger is sluggish that day and then he loses his legs functioning, so Jack drives him to the vet and meets Emma who's unpacking boxes at the clinic late that night. Emma saves Ranger. What occurs afterwards was an engaging story as they keep running into each other. I'd liked our characters and the guys living at the ranch in this delightful copy I'd received and volunteer to read and review.
May 24, 2026
For the love of a dog
Jack, Emma and Ranger quickly drew me into this story. It’s full of new starts, acclimatisation and acceptance.
Jack helps military veterans reintegrate into society, but otherwise keeps to himself.
Emma is the new vet, and after saving Jack’s service dog they keep running into each other.
This is a sweet, slow burn romance. It is easy to read with a good range of emotion that brought tears a time or two.
The characters are easy to like, but I would’ve liked a little more backstory or depth.
I liked the small town charm, the ranch and the extra characters these locations provided.
Jack, Emma and Ranger quickly drew me into this story. It’s full of new starts, acclimatisation and acceptance.
Jack helps military veterans reintegrate into society, but otherwise keeps to himself.
Emma is the new vet, and after saving Jack’s service dog they keep running into each other.
This is a sweet, slow burn romance. It is easy to read with a good range of emotion that brought tears a time or two.
The characters are easy to like, but I would’ve liked a little more backstory or depth.
I liked the small town charm, the ranch and the extra characters these locations provided.
May 16, 2026
Thank you to the author for the chance to review an advanced copy of this book.
This is a different writing style than I am used to. The book was made of a bunch of really short sentences and I think in that a lot of description and scene setting was lost. I can’t find where it is meant to be a novel in verse, but maybe I am missing something? It was very, very repetitive.
Emma ands Jack’s stories were very sweet, they were very supportive of each other from the start. I just don’t think this type of writing is for me.
This is a different writing style than I am used to. The book was made of a bunch of really short sentences and I think in that a lot of description and scene setting was lost. I can’t find where it is meant to be a novel in verse, but maybe I am missing something? It was very, very repetitive.
Emma ands Jack’s stories were very sweet, they were very supportive of each other from the start. I just don’t think this type of writing is for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“The Grumpiest Hero Next Door” by Maggie Blume
-Emma and Jack’s story is a sweet and steady small-town romance filled with heart, healing, and a lovable service dog. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
I really enjoyed the slow-burn relationship and there was always progress between them and a touching connection. Jack’s quiet nature balances perfectly with Emma’s warmth and kindness.
A cozy quick read with emotional depth, gentle chemistry, and a satisfying happy ending.
-Emma and Jack’s story is a sweet and steady small-town romance filled with heart, healing, and a lovable service dog. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
I really enjoyed the slow-burn relationship and there was always progress between them and a touching connection. Jack’s quiet nature balances perfectly with Emma’s warmth and kindness.
A cozy quick read with emotional depth, gentle chemistry, and a satisfying happy ending.
May 21, 2026
Sweet story by Maggie Blume.
This is a story of second chances for veterans and dogs that find each other on a farm that Jack started. With the help of the new veterinarian, Emma, they bring new dogs to the farm to aid in the ** of the veterans without dogs. What an amazing and sweet beginning that is.
This book is written in very choppy sentences that is a little hard to get used to, but the story and characters are sweet.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
This is a story of second chances for veterans and dogs that find each other on a farm that Jack started. With the help of the new veterinarian, Emma, they bring new dogs to the farm to aid in the ** of the veterans without dogs. What an amazing and sweet beginning that is.
This book is written in very choppy sentences that is a little hard to get used to, but the story and characters are sweet.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
May 21, 2026
This is a quick read but a good read. Emma and Jack fall for each other while Emma falls for the town as well. This doesn’t happen all at once, but by showing up again and again. Being there, being constant, being authentic.
Jack is a veteran that runs a farm to help other vets adjust back to “normal life”. Emma is a veterinarian who moved to town and found a way to help. Add in Ranger, Jack’s service dog (and my favorite character) and a cafe owner who is not-so-secretly rooting for them, and you’ll want to keep reading!
Jack is a veteran that runs a farm to help other vets adjust back to “normal life”. Emma is a veterinarian who moved to town and found a way to help. Add in Ranger, Jack’s service dog (and my favorite character) and a cafe owner who is not-so-secretly rooting for them, and you’ll want to keep reading!
May 23, 2026
I love the idea and premise of this book! This is a slow-burn, sweet romance that only has kisses. I really wanted more from Emma and Jack – more development, more back story, more of them together. I loved seeing Jack evolve and open up to Emma. Emma helping Jack with the farm and expanding it was great. I’m hoping that we will see the other characters in books of their own! There was great potential, but I didn’t care for the writing style. I wish it read more like a book instead of short one-liners.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
This was such a great story with Emma and Jack. And of course hood service dog. I loved how Emma got right into action when he brought his dog in injured. And the house calls are made to check on the dog. Especially since Jack was a vet and a grumpy one at that. So seeing them connect while she checked on the dog was really sweet. I loved seeing these two blossom into so much more. Such a sweet and cute romance.
May 20, 2026
The Grumpiest Hero Next Door by Maggie Blume is a delightful small town meet cute romance that I couldn't put down, I just fell in love with Jack, Ranger and Emma. If you love Grumpy/Sunshine romances with veterans and service dogs get this book immediately!! That's an order! Oh and have some tissues nearby you will tear up in places.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2026
Jack is doing his best to help veterans adjust to civilian life on a farm. Emma is the new vet in town who has her own connection to veterans and sees all the good he’s doing with the help of his service dog, Ranger. Together they’re making a difference. But will her dreams tear apart everything they’ve been building or make it even stronger? I definitely needed tissues at certain points in this story. Lots of feels!!
May 21, 2026
The Grumpiest Hero Next Door by Maggie Blume is the story of Jack and Emma. She’s the new veterinarian in town. He’s the local moody grump. When his beloved service dog has an emergency he reaches out to her…by necessity. The quiet, closed-off man slowly, slowly opens to this gentle, understanding woman. But, it isn’t easy and there are opportunities in the mix that could ruin everything….for all them…excellent story!!!
May 17, 2026
A slow-burn small-town romance, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, found family, and hard-earned belonging.
I’m not supposed to like Jack Sullivan, let alone fall for him.
He’s the grumpiest man in Oakridge, a former Navy SEAL who barely speaks, barely smiles, and definitely doesn’t trust anyone, especially me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story drew me in from the first page & didn’t let go until the very last page. A sweet story that focuses on the importance of really seeing those around us and meeting them where they are - with dogs included!
May 19, 2026
Beautiful Blueprint
Not only is Jack, Emma, and Ranger’s story incredibly beautiful, touching, and moving. It needs to be a blueprint for similar farms to be built around America to take care of our Vets. And every one with service dogs to help with what they can never forget.
Not only is Jack, Emma, and Ranger’s story incredibly beautiful, touching, and moving. It needs to be a blueprint for similar farms to be built around America to take care of our Vets. And every one with service dogs to help with what they can never forget.
May 22, 2026
This is a very small town sweet romance. Between a grumpy Navy Seal with his service dog and Emma the new vet. This was such a good story I could put it down. But be warned this does not have any spice.
May 24, 2026
I didn’t think I would like the format this was written in when I first started, but I actually enjoyed it and found it easy to read. It was a sweet story, I loved how Jack and Emma just knew what the other needed, they were steady and calm. They had no drama, just a consistent draw to each other.
May 20, 2026
New vet in town Emma meets grumpiest military hero Jack. Their romance builds very slowly, but I still enjoyed it. I have no problem recommending this.
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